Venezuela–U.S. Oil Deal: The White House says a new venture with North American Blue Energy Partners will give the Pentagon a 35% stake and the U.S. access to 17 Venezuelan oilfields tied to about 65 billion barrels, with Venezuela insisting it retains sovereignty and a 25-year term; critics and lawmakers are pressing for details and warning the plan may not quickly translate into lower gas prices. Mexico–U.S. Legal Fight: A U.S. judge says bondholders can pursue racketeering claims against Citigroup over an alleged Mexico cash-advance fraud scheme, keeping pressure on major banks. Peru Security: A mining businessman kidnapped in Trujillo was released, while four suspects were arrested after the attackers killed his four companions. Brazil Politics: Psychiatrist Augusto Cury, running as an outsider, surged in polls for Brazil’s presidential race, challenging the Lula–Bolsonaro polarization. Argentina Sports: Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer after 21 years with Argentina, ending as the national team’s all-time leading scorer. Mexico Public Safety: Miami-Dade investigators seek a suspect accused of setting fire to a gas pump at a Chevron station, after a political message appeared on a sign. Argentina Economy: Capital controls eased under Milei reforms as stablecoin premiums reportedly fell to around 4%, narrowing the dollar gap. Argentina Lithium: Liontown entered a farm-in for Argentina’s Centenario lithium brine project, aiming to expand future growth.